Home Style... 2 Identify Rooms... 3 Room Adjacencies... 4 Interior Dimensions... 5 Dimensions... 6 Lot Excavation... 7 Foundation... 8 Framing... 9 Roofing... 10 Doors... 11 Windows... 12 Plumbing... 13 Ceiling and Trim... 20 Kitchen... 21 Bath... 22 Cleaning Closet... 23 Flooring... 24 Lighting... 25 Amenities... 26 Garage / Pathways... 27 Around the Deck... 28 Water / Sport... 29 Garden Design... 30 Garden Elements... 31 Electrical Wiring... 14 HVAC... 15 Weatherization... 16 Exterior Home... 17-18 Interior Decorate... 32 Exterior Decorate... 33 Needs... 34 Wall... 19 Supporting Web Sites: http://www.saybuild.com... for home building plans and advice http://www.saybuild.com... (home building gallery) for home building products and ideas http://www.searchhouseplans.com... for our directory of house plans and design ideas http://www.letsrenovate.com... for home remodeling and home improvement 1
Spec Plan A: Home Style Link to http://www.saybuild.com/home-style.html for information on home styles - rooms Levels One Story Two Story Three Story Split Level Basement Style Description (cellar or day walk-in): Ceiling Heights First Floor Second Floor Third Floor Attic Basement Closets Size: Size: Size: Size: Size: Size: Master Bedroom Walk-In Standard Size: Bedroom 1 Walk-In Standard Size: Bedroom 2 Walk-In Standard Size: Bedroom 3 Walk-In Standard Size: Bedroom 4 Walk-In Standard Size: Walk-In Standard Size: Walk-In Standard Size: Walk-In Standard Size: 2
Spec Plan A: Identify Rooms Link to http://www.saybuild.com/home-style.html for information on home styles - rooms Main Level Example: Kitchen Second Floor Attic or 3rd Floor Basement Level Example: Master Bedroom Example: Extra Room Example: Darkroom 3
Spec Plan A: Room Adjacencies Link to http://www.saybuild.com/sf/tools-set.html for information on home styles - rooms Main Level Next Level Primary Room Adjacencies 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: Primary Room Adjacencies 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: Secondary Room Adjacencies 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: Secondary Room Adjacencies 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: Non-Adjacent Rooms 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: Non-Adjacent Rooms 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 4
Spec Plan A: Interior Dimensions Link to www.saybuild.com/sf/tools-set.html for square footage calculator Interior Finished Area Size A Size B Size B Calculated Square Footage Example Room 6 x 10 8 x 10 10 x 12 80 sq. feet Entry Way / Foyer Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bedroom Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 : (Hallway Width) : : : 6 x 10 10 x 12 12 x 12 10 x 12 8 x 10 8 x 10 15 x 15 10 x 12 10 x 12 5 x 5 6 x 6 5 x 6 15 x 15 9 x 9 5 x 7 10 x 12 10 x 12 10 x 12 10 x 12 10 x 12 10 x 12 10 x 12 5 x 8 5 x 8 5 x 8 8 x 10 12 x 12 12 x 14 12 x 14 10 x 10 10 x 10 18 x 18 12 x 12 12 x 12 6 x 7 8 x 7 7 x 8 16 x 18 10 x 12 8 x 10 12 x 12 12 x 12 12 x 12 12 x 12 12 x 12 12 x 12 12 x 12 5 x 10 5 x 10 5 x 10 10 x 12 14 x 14 14 x 16 14 x 16 10 x 12 10 x 12 21 x 21 12 x 14 12 x 14 7 x 8 8 x 10 9 x 10 18 x 20 12 x 14 12 x 12 14 x 14 14 x 14 14 x 14 14 x 14 14 x 14 14 x 14 14 x 14 6 x 12 6 x 12 6 x 12 Sum Calculated Square Footage Add 20% to Subtotal Total Square Footage Requirement 5
Spec Plan A: Dimensions Link to www.saybuild.com/sf/tools-set.html for square footage calculator Areas Finished Dimension Add Factor Calculated Square Footage Example Room 8 x 10 16 sq. feet 96 sq. feet Attic Basement Garage Carport Work Area Storage x x 20% if finished x x 20% if finished x x 20% if finished x x 20% if finished x x 20% if finished x x 20% if finished x x 20% if finished x x 20% if finished x x 20% if finished Sum Calculated Square Footage Exterior Front Porch Walk Way Drive Way Deck Patio Screened Porch Dimension Sum Calculated Square Footage Calculated Square Footage 6
Spec Plan B: Lot Excavation Site Preparation: Define the Rules Link to www.saybuild.com/sayimprove for information on site preparation Your Construction Specification Plan should include a complete layout of your property lot with surveyed dimensions and property boundary lines. Make a copy of the layout and define the rules of excavation. Your architect or builder can assist you with this project. Layout Size List any size requirements for your house. Define your type of garage front entry, side-entry, rear-entry, detached, or drive-under access. View the physical features of your lot. Note any rocks, trees, water-front view, or other desirable or undesirable views that your designer must consider. Setbacks Allow for plenty of room for front, back and side. Outline where you want the driveway (about 10 feet wide or more) and turnaround space if sideor rear-entry garages (about 30 feet). Easements Check with your planning board for easement restrictions. Many communities require 5-10 feet easement along the side and rear of the property for utility lines, water drainage, and neighborhood boundaries. An easement may also be required for a walkway. House Situated Discuss with your architect or builder how you would like the home situated. Consider options on how to gain the most desirable view and privacy. Extra Requirements Note any extra space for parking, recreation vehicles, detached garage, or other outdoor buildings. Will there be a swimming pool, tennis court, or other recreational area? Water Drainage Understand how rain water flows through your lot. You want to channel the water away from the house. Tag the Trees Tag any trees that you want to remain standing. It may cost you more since excavators must work around them. But it is worth the extra price. Identify Location of Utilities Make sure you flag underground utility lines. You will be responsible for any damage. Remove Trash Check that all trash, debris, and tree stumps are removed and cleared from the property. 7
Spec Plan C: Foundation Foundation Options Link to www.saybuild.com/sayimprove for information on site foundations Slab Foundation Least expensive. Property must graded relatively flat. Consists of poured concrete slap with depth to support interior walls. Generally suited for warmer climates. To get the foundation up off the ground in wet areas, you may consider a Raised Slab Foundation. Raised Slab Foundation consists of reinforced concrete block some 3 feet tall, interior back-filled with sand, and concrete slap poured as the floor system. more information at: http://www.howstuffworks.com/house4.htm Crawlspace Foundation Generally preferred for most homes especially if the lot slopes. Allows for utility, and sewage lines under the home. Consists of reinforced concrete block some 3 feet tall around the perimeter of the home with structural piers located under load bearing points. more information at: http://www.howstuffworks.com/house6.htm Basement Foundation Most expense type foundation. Can be used as additional working or storage space. Find lots that slope up from front to back to avoid excessive fill or steps in the front of the home. Define type of basement: walk-out daylight basement or cellar type Will your basement be finished or unfinished. more information at: http://www.howstuffworks.com/house5.htm Chimney Describe type of chimney and number based on the number of open fireplaces in your home. Note that gas-only fireplaces do not require a chimney. more information at: http://www.saybuild.com/exterior/ Termite Infestation Test your foundation for termites. Eradicate any infestations prior to laying your foundation. more information at: http://www.saybuild.com 8
Spec Plan D: Framing Framing Link to www.saybuild.com/sayimprove for information on framing Wood Framing Wood framing most commonly used in home construction. Plenty of skilled contractors with wood framing experience. Can be easily cut and fitted. Preferable for interior design when hanging fixtures and decorations. Steel Framing Steel framing growing in popularity, especially in tornado and hurricane prone areas. Stronger than wood. Can withstand some wind surges. Resistant to fire, mildew and molds, and wood-eating insects. Geometrically perfect for corners and window/door frames. Skilled contractors may be limited in your area. Framing Considerations Once the framing starts, it can become very expensive for a structural change. It is very important that you plan your home up-front before framing: See size dimensions page 3 Plan for all doors. Plan for all windows. Plan for all closets and ample storage areas. Plan for all room dimensions. Plan for all fireplaces Plan for all outside venting systems Plan for all stairways and home entry. Inspect spacing for HVAC, plumbing, and utility lines. more information at: http://www.saybuild.com 9
Spec Plan E: Roofing Link to http://www.saybuild.com/exterior/ for roofing information and products Select Roofing Cedar Shingles Asphalt Shingles Metal Roofing Ceramic Tiles Solar System Yes Weather System Rain Removal Systems Gutter Systems Spouts / Guards Roofing Needs 10
Spec Plan F: Doors Link to www.saybuild.com/plans/doors.html for door ideas and products Floor / Location Door Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear French Doors Elegant White, JKL Company, Model 44r Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Basement Attic Garage 11
Spec Plan F: Windows Link to www.saybuild.com/plans/doors.html for window ideas and products Floor / Location Window Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear Bay Window Filter Pane, ABC Company, Model XJK Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Basement Attic Garage 12
Spec Plan G: Plumbing Link to www.saybuild.com/plans/room.html for plumbing information Floor / Location Check, if Yes Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear X utility sink in the southwest corner Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Water Heater Basement Attic Garage 13
Spec Plan H: Electrical Wiring Link to www.saybuild.com/plans/room.html on ideas for home wiring and lighting Floor / Location Special Need Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear X Home Entertainment, South Wall Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Basement Attic Garage 14
Spec Plan I: HVAC Link to www.saybuild.com/attic/ for heating and cooling information Heating Systems Electrical Natural Gas Oil Geothermal Wood / Coal Cooling Systems Central Air System Central Pump Room Units Alternative Systems Solar Wind Control Systems Programmable Air Quality Systems Humidifier Dehumidifier Distribution Duct System Radiator 15
Spec Plan J: Weatherization Link to www.saybuild.com/attic/ for information on weatherization Insulation / Weatherization Fiber Glass Spray Form Weather Stripping Insulation Projects Unfinished Attic Finished Attic Basement Walls Cathedral Ceilings Crawlspace Heated Under Crawlspace Exterior Walls Floors Foundation Walls Under Slab HVAC Ducts Interior Noise Control Water Heater Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): Description (R-Value): 16
Spec Plan K: Exterior Home Link to www.saybuild.com/exterior/ for information on exterior home Front Facing Vinyl / Aluminum Wood Shingles / Panel Brick Facing Stone / Masonry Shutters Decor Side Facing Vinyl / Aluminum Wood Shingles / Panel Brick Facing Stone / Masonry Shutters Decor Rear Facing Vinyl / Aluminum Wood Shingles / Panel Brick Facing Stone / Masonry Shutters Decor 17
Spec Plan K: Exterior Home (con t.) Link to www.saybuild.com/exterior/ for information on exterior home Detached Garage Vinyl / Aluminum Wood Shingles / Panel Brick Facing Stone / Masonry Shutters Decor Shed / Out Building Vinyl / Aluminum Wood Shingles / Panel Brick Facing Stone / Masonry Shutters Decor Structure Vinyl / Aluminum Wood Shingles / Panel Brick Facing Stone / Masonry Shutters Decor 18
Spec Plan L: Walls Link to www.saybuild.com/plans/walls.html for wall decorating ideas Floor / Location Project Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear Wall Paper Print Outside Wall, ABC Company, Model XJK Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Basement Attic Garage 19
Spec Plan L: Ceilings and Trim Link to www.saybuild.com/plans/walls.html for ceiling and trim Floor / Location Project Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear Tray Ceiling MNO Company Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Basement Attic Garage 20
Spec Plan M: Kitchen Link to www.saybuild.com/downstairs for kitchen products and ideas Kitchen Design Cabinets Lazy Susan Drawers Size Counter Tops Seating Area Islands Sinks Faucets / Fittings Sink Appliances Pantry / Storage Open Shelving Wine Storage Kitchen Appliances Cooking Tops Cooking Ranges Microwave Ovens Exhaust Vents / Hoods Dishwasher Trash Compactors Recycle Bins 21
Spec Plan M: Bath Link to www.saybuild.com/downstairs for bath products and ideas Master Bath Bath Tub Shower Sinks Faucet / Fittings Cabinets Toilets Appliances Medicine Cabinets Laundry Facilities Storage Facilities Bath Bath Tub Shower Sinks Faucet / Fittings Cabinets Toilets Appliances Medicine Cabinets Laundry Facilities Storage Facilities 22
Spec Plan N: Cleaning Closet Link to www.saybuild.com/upstairs for cleaning products and ideas Laundry Room For Electric Appliance For Gas Appliance Utility Sink Laundry Shoot Folding Counter Top Shelving Cabinets Cleaning Closet Centralized Vacuum Shelving Cabinets Utility Sink Mud Room Yes Requirements 23
Spec Plan O: Flooring Link to www.saybuild.com/plans/floors.html for flooring ideas and plans Floor / Location Floor Finish Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear Hardwood Maple Finish from XYZ Company, Model 123 Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Basement Attic Garage 24
Spec Plan P: Lighting Link to www.saybuild.com/plans/lighting.html for room lighting ideas Floor / Location Required Lighting Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear Ceiling Fan Benchwood, TUV Company Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Basement Attic Garage 25
Spec Plan Q: Amenities Link to www.saybuild.com/sayimprove for all other home building ideas Floor / Location Amenities Descriptive Comments Example Room Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 1st Floor / Rear Fireplace, Book ShelfGas Fireplace, TUV Company, Model 66Z Basement Attic Garage 26
Spec Plan R: Garage-Pathways Link to www.saybuild.com/exterior/ for exterior home Garage Flooring Electrical Lighting Walls Insulation Drive Way Interlocking Block Brick Asphalt Paving Concrete Paving Pebble Rock Path Ways Interlocking Block Brick Stone Concrete Paving Pebble Rock 27
Spec Plan S: Around the Deck Link to www.saybuild.com/outside/ for outside and garden planning Deck Deck Design Wood Decks Wood Composite Vinyl Decks Railings Patios Interlocking Block Brick Stone Concrete Pebble Rock Entertainment Grill Station Fire Pits 28
Spec Plan S: Water / Sport Link to www.saybuild.com/outside/ for outside and garden planning Water Facilities Spa Hot Tubs Swimming Pool Swimming Deck Swimming Fencing Swimming Water Pond Fountains Sport Tennis Court Basketball Court Play Area 29
Spec Plan S: Garden Design Link to www.saybuild.com/outside/ for outside and garden planning Exterior Front Along the House Flower Beds Trees / Shrubs Lighting Facing Right Side Along the House Flower Beds Trees / Shrubs Lighting Facing Left Side Along the House Flower Beds Trees / Shrubs Lighting Exterior Rear Along the House Flower Beds Trees / Shrubs Lighting 30
Spec Plan S: Garden Elements Link to www.saybuild.com/outside/ for outside and garden planning Elements Irrigation System Watering System Decorative Fencing Privacy Fencing Animal Fencing Fencing Privacy Barriers Arbors / Awnings Gazebos Greenhouse Storage Sheds Flag Pole Mail Box Out Structure Out Structure 31
Spec Plan T: Interior Decorate Link to www.saybuild.com/sayimprove for room decorating ideas Location Decor Item Descriptive Comments Example Room 1st Floor / Rear Leather Couch HJK Furniture, Model 44-KK Entry Way / Foyer Hall Living Room Dining Room Kitchen Breakfast Solarium Family (Great) Room Den / Library Rec / Music Room Powder Room Mud (Laundry) Room Storage Room Master Bed Master Bath Master Closet Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bonus Room Connecting Hallways Home Office Play / Exercise / Sewing Bath 2 Bath 3 Bath 4 Basement Attic Garage 32
Spec Plan S: Exterior Decorate Link to www.saybuild.com/outside/ for outside garden landscaping ideas Location Decor Item Descriptive Comments Example Area Along Back Fence High Scrubs Link to: www.something.com Deck Area Deck Area Deck Area Patio Area Patio Area Patio Area Front Yard Front Yard Front Yard Side Yard Side Yard Side Yard Side Yard Rear Yard Rear Yard Rear Yard Rear Yard Rear Yard Garden Bed / Area Garden Bed / Area Garden Bed / Area Garden Bed / Area Garden Bed / Area Garden Bed / Area Garden Bed / Area Garden Bed / Area 33
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